Armored jacket for motorcycle riders

ABSTRACT

A protector for motorcycle riders of generally a jacket type that includes a rigid vest with interlocking front and back plates which are hinged together along one side edge and are latched together on an opening side edge. A generally divergent collar is integral with and extends from the upper portions of the front and back plates and a rigid skirt with leg openings and hinged along one edge and latched upon another edge is attached to the lower portions of the front and back plates. A two-pieced halo of tubing is attached to the rear plate and extends over the collar. Padding means which is optionally inflatable for size adjustments is attached to at least interior portions of the vest, skirt, and collar.

United States Patent [1 1 Winiecki 1451 Apr. 22, 1975 1 ARMORED JACKET FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS [76] lnventor: Tadeus Carl Winiecki, 2626 S.

FORElGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 359.578 1/1906 France 2/2.5

Primary E.\'aminerRichard J. Scanlan. Jr. Attorney, Agent or Firm-l-l. W. Oberg. Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT A protector for motorcycle riders of generally a jacket type that includes a rigid vest with interlocking front and back plates which are hinged together along one side edge and are latched together on an opening side edge. A generally divergent collar is integral with and extends from the upper portions of the front and back plates and a rigid skirt with leg openings and hinged along one edge and latched upon another edge is attached to the lower portions of the front and back plates. A two-pieced halo of tubing is attached to the rear plate and extends over the collar. Padding means which is optionally inflatable for size adjustments is attached to at least interior portions of the vest, skirt. and collar.

15 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures ARMOREID JACKET FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to apparel. but more particularly. the invention relates to improved guards and protectors that safeguard the head. torso. and hips of a motorcycle rider.

A number of states now require motorcycle riders to wear safety helmets. While a helmet offers some protection against head injury. it does not protect the neck from \vhiplash nor does it provide sufficient stopping distance for the head in a high speed impact. While helmets provide some protection for the head. protectors for the neck. chest. and hips have heretofore been somewhat inadequate Early protectors such as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 558.812 provide an impact resistant shield for the front portion of the body. However. the shield does not protect the back or body from being crushed. Such shielding devices offer no protection for the hips. back. or neck.

Another early type of protector for cycle riders is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 1.144.150. The protector offers some cushioning for the entire body of a cycle rider. it does not offer impact or crush protection for the torso. The device offers good impact protection for the head but it limits head movement and visibility.

Modern protectors for athletics such as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3.500.472 offer sportsmen protection against injuries when they are struck by blows of other players or objects. However. the protectors are placed over just certain portions of the body to permit maximum freedom of movement or agility for the sportsman. Such protectors do not provide encircling protection for a torso.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An armored protector generally of the jacket type is provided. The jacket includes a rigid vest and skirt shell which are each made in two parts that are hinged together along a side seam. Interfacing edges of the vest and skirt mechanically interlock to provide an outer shell. A collar diverges from the vest shell to restrict excessive head movements. A halo-like structure extends over the collar and is attached to the back part of the vest offering improved protection fora head. Appropriate padding is positioned on interior portions of the vest. skirt. and collar to further protect the rider as well as offering a means for adjusting the jacket to different body sizes. Optionally. detachable sleeves may be used with the vest.

An object of the invention is to offer an impact resistant protector for the chest and hips of a motorcycle rider.

Another object ofthe invention is to provide an interlocking shell structure that is impact resistant.

Another object ofthe invention is to provide a jacket for motorcycle riders that offers stopping distance pro tection for the head without impairing vision or head movements.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a means for restricting head movement of a helmeted motorcycle rider to reduce injuries to the neck.

Another object of the invention is to provide a protector that is adjustable to the size of the wearer with a minimum discomfort.

A primary advantage of the invention is that it offers improved protection from impact for the head. neck. torso. and hips of a motorcycle rider without severely impairing body movements.

These and other objects or advantages of the invention will become apparent after reviewing the drawings and description thereof wherein:

FIG. I is a front view showing the armored jacket of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view taken along the lines 2-2 of FIG. I.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the lines 33 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view taken generally along the line 4-4 of FIG. I showing the jacket in an open position.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along the line 55 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. I.

FIG. 7 is a partial view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along the line 88 of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In accordance with the invention. an armored protective jacket I0 is provided. The major components of the jacket are constructed to offer protection from impact for the head. neck. torso. and hips of a'rider. The primary components of the jacket include a halo-like head protector 12 of rigid tubing. a rigid vest shell 14. and a rigid skirt shell 16. The vest and skirt shells are constructed of light weight impact resistant materials such as fiber glass embedded in a resin. Preferably. the shell walls are of a corrugated 18 or honeycomb structure to achieve high strength with minimum weight. A corrugated structure approximately 1 cm thick is preferred. Textile reinforced resins are generally preferred as construction materials because of their high impact strength and light weight. Another high strength textile material which may be advantageously used is aramid an example of which is sold under the trademark Kevlar" by duPont.

The vest shell 14 includes front plates 20 and back plates 22 that are hinged 24 together along interfacing pairs of side edges 26, 28 and which are latched together along opposite pair of interfacing side edges 30, 32

The interfacing edges extend generally along the side portions and front shoulder portions of the vest. Openings 34, 36, 38 are provided in the vest for head, arms, and the lower torso. The back plate extends forward at the shoulders to define a rear shoulder yoke 40 from which the jacket may be supported by a rider. The back plate 22 also defines a major portion of the head. arms. and torso openings.

A divergent collar extends from the vest at the head opening. The collar is defined as integrally extending portions 42, 44 of both the front and back plates. The divergence of the collar is chosen to limit the head travel of a helmeted motorcycle rider or wearer. The front portion 42 of the collar diverges at a greater angle to permit greater head movement while the rear portion 44 of the collar diverges at a lesser angle for more restrictive movement. The collar extends upwardly a sufficient amount to be engageable with side and rear portions of a helmet (not shown) as worn by a rider. Preferably. the entire front portion of the collar is padded 46 along its interior to give protection to the neck and face of a rider.

A halo-like structure such as of steel tubing is at tached to the rear plate over the head and collar opening. The tubing defines a head protector l2 spaced from the helmet of a wearer. The head protector has a first circular part 48 that has a diameter greater than the opening of the collar. The protector extends generally horizontally beyond the head of a user. A second segmented circular member 50 has one end attached to the front portion of the first circular member and a sec ond portion attached to the rear of the circular member. Brace members 52 are included to strengthen the structure. The head protector may be fixedly or removably attached to the rear plate. Preferably, the head protector is removably attached to the rear plate with removable clamps 54 and removable fasteners 56. This provides an option of use by the wearer. Two portions of the first circular member 48 are attached in spaced relation on the rear plate 22. An extension of the second circular member attaches 58 to the back plate at least at a third point. Three points of attachment define a rigid triangular planar structure that is not easily displaced.

The second circular segment member extends away and generally vertically from the collar in general alignment with the facing part of the vest. This is because most injuries to motorcycle riders occur when they impact in a direction that follows the direction of a mov ing motorcycle.

Of course. the head protector 12 may be attached to the rear plate by any convenient means. More points of attachment may be included and more integral brace structure 60 may be included.

On extreme impacts. the tubing may bend absorbing a force that otherwise would be transmitted to a wearers body. The attachment points should allow for the tubing bending so as not to transmit excessive stress to the vest shell.

The first circular member 48 is arranged to be above the general line of sight and spaced away from the head ofthe wearer. A diameter ofgenerally 60 cm and a cant of 30 degrees appear to be satisfactory for the first circular member 48. A diameter of 60 cm is also satisfactory for the second circular member 50. The 60 cm diameters provide generally 15 cm between the helmeted head of a wearer. This clearance establishes a stopping distance for the head in a high speed impact which may be referred to as a crush distance.

Energy absorbing padding is provided along the inte rior portions of the vest shell as a shock absorbing or cushioning means for a wearer. The padding is of two general types. Padding 62 on the interior of the shoulder yoke has a fixed nominal thickness and made of material such as energy absorbing foam while the padding adjacent to the thorax of a wearer is adjustable in thickness such as with inflatable bags 64 or the like. Examples of such inflatable structures are air mattresses or the padding as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3.500.472. The inflatable padding 64 permits the vest to be somewhat sized to the stature and comfort of the wearer. Preferably, the inflated bags are nominally 4 cm thick and encapsulate a layer of foam 66 with suitable energy absorbing qualities. The encapsulated foam layer serves as a back-up energy absorbing lining should a leak develop in the inflatable bags. The bags may be optionally removable for cleaning and repair.

Valves 68. 69 are included at convenient locations so that the padding may be easily inflated. A mouth valve 68 near the front plate has proven appropriate for the front padding.

It is important that the front 20 and back 22 plates define a rigid structure for maximum impact resistance. Rigidity is achieved by the configuration of the interfacing pairs of edges 26. 28. 30. 32. At least portions of the pairs of interfacing edges interlock with each other to achieve a hoop-like structure. Preferably. one of each pair of edges has a shoulder 70 that receives its mating pair. The shoulder and interfacing edge are contiguous with each other along the separable seam of the side and shoulders.

The vest is hinged 24 along one pair of edges to permit easy donning and dofflng of the jacket without sac riflcing rigidity. Piano or belt type hinges may be easily used for this purpose. Although hinges are not specifically required. they are preferred as they allow for easy handling of the front and back plates when in use.

The unhinged edge is provided with a latching means. The latch may be of any desirable configuration. For example. straps 72, 74 may be attached to both the front and back plates. The straps are easily joined together with a buckle 76. The edges may be held in their interlocking manner by means of a toggle or buckle 78. The toggle may be easily snapped. However. the buckle must be of the type that is resistant to opening when im pacted.

Optionally. the lower portion of the vest shell is fitted with a skirt 16 that has front and back 82 portions. The waist opening of the skirt is larger than the torso opening 38 of the vest to permit it to be telescoped' thereover. Spaced notches 84, 86 are provided in the front skirt shell 80. The notches provide openings for the thighs of a rider seated on a motorcycle. A crotch portion 88 of the skirt extends between the two notches to protect the groin of a wearer. Pads 90 are provided along at least portions of the skirt. The pads are of the configuration previously described for the vest shell. The pads may be of either the fixed or inflatable types.

The skirt 16 is adjustably and flexibly attached to the vest. Preferably. strap 92 material is used for the flexible attachment. The flexible attachment permits bending movements by the wearer. A series of looped straps 94 and interlocking D rings 96 provide means for adjustably telescoping the skirt up and down over the vest.

The back portion 82 of the skirt also provides a rest 98 which is capable of supporting the entire weight of the vest when it is in use. The skirt is adjusted at the rear attachment strap loops 94 so that it contacts the seat of the motorcycle (shown in dotted form). The skirt is adjusted to a position below the vest shell to have a majority weight of the jacket carried by the skirt rest 98 at the seat. The front 80 and back 82 skirt shell portions are separable from each other along interfacing pairs ofinterlocking edges 100, 102 like the vest 14. The skirt shell is hinged on the same side as the vest shell. and it is latched like the vest on the same side as the vest shell as shown in FIG. 4. Obviously. the edges of the skirt are in general alignment with the edges of the vest shell.

When the jacket is to be used, the latches are released to permit the front shell and skirt to be hinged away from the back plate and rear skirt as shown in FIG. 4. The forwardly extending shoulder yoke 40 of the rear plate permits the opened jacket to be easily rested upon the shoulders of the wearer while the front plate is being closed. Also, the wide arm openings of the rear plate allow freedom of arm movement. The latches are closed and the outer vest and skirt shells interlock defining an impact and crush resistant structure. The rear skirt is adjusted for length to fit the wearer and a motorcycle seat. When the inflatable padding is used, it is inflatable to the desired dimension fitting the comfort level of the wearer. The donned jacket provides improved protection for the head, neck, thorax, and hips of a wearer.

Most motorcycle accidents occur when the rider is traveling in a forward manner. The machine usually stops for some reason such as impact with another vehicle or object and the wearer continues his forward motion. When impact occurs, the head protector 12 provides an extended protection from the helmet of the wearer further protecting the head. Head movement is limited when the helmet of the wearer contacts the sides of the diverging collar. Should the head be thrown forward, the divergent collar portion 42 from the front plate limits head movement while the padding 46 absorbs shock. The rigid vest shell in combination with the padding reduce localized peak pressures or forces to the body by spreading them over large body areas.

This prevents localized forces from displacing or deforming critical body organs which can cause injury thereto. The vest shell is also crush resistant which protects a wearer such as when hit by a flying" motorcycle when he is on the ground. In a similar manner, the

skirt protects the lower portions of the body. Summarily, injuriesare reduced in severity, if not eliminated, as the protective jacket of the invention envelopes the body of a wearer with a structure which helps to maintain the shape of the body.

ADDITIONAL SPECIES openings of the vest such as by Velcro material and may be of a material which is abrasion resistant. The sleeves may just be worn for comfort and warmth by the wearer in reaction to climatic conditions.

The foregoing detailed description was made for purpose of illustration only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is to be determined from the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

I. An armored jacket for protecting a wearer against injury comprising:

a substantially rigid vest shell having head, arms, and torso openings, the shell including front and back plates separable from each other. on two pairs of interfacing edges extending generally along the sides and front shoulders of the vest shell;

a rigid collar extending generally divergently from the head opening, the collar including a front pormeans for mechanically interlocking at least portions of the two pairsof interfacing edges of the front and back plates;

means for hinging the front and back plates at the side of the vest between one pair of interfacing side edges; 7 V

means for latching together the unhinged pair of interfacing edges of the front and back plates, the interlocking means, front and back plates cooperating to define the substantially rigid vest shell; and

padding means distributed along at least some interior portionsof the jacket shell for providing a cushion for the wearer.

2. An armored jacket for protecting a wearer against injury comprising:

tion extending from the front plate and a back portion extending from the back plate;

a substantially rigid vest shell having head, arms, and torso openings, the shell including front and back plates separable from each other on two pairs of interfacing edges extending generally along the sides and front shoulders of the vest shell;

means for mechanically interlocking at least portions of the two pairs of interfacing edges of the front and back plates;

means for hinging the front and back plates at the side of the vest between one pair of interfacing side edges;

means for latching together the unhinged pair of interfacing edges of the front and back plates, the interlocking means, front and back plates cooperating to define the substantially rigid vest shell;

padding means distributed along at least some interior portions of the jacket shell for providing a cushion for the wearer;

substantially rigid skirt shell including front and rear skirt portions separate from each other'along interfacing pairs of side edges, the skirtshell having a slightly larger diameter than the external diameter of the vest shell at the torso opening and the from lower skirt portion having spaced notches that define spaced leg openings;

means for attaching the skirt in generally telescoping manner to the vest shell over the torso opening to have the interfacing pairs of the skirt shell edges generally in alignment with the interfacing pairs of vest edges;

means for hinging the front and rear skirt portions along a pair of interfacing skirt side edges that are in longitudinal alignment with the hinged pair edges of the vest shell;

means for latching the front and rear skirt portions along the unhinged pair of facing skirt side edges, the front and rear skirt portions, skirt hinging and latching means cooperating to define the rigid skirt shell; and

padding means distributed along at least interior portions of the skirt shell for providing a cushion for the wearer.

3. A jacket set forth in claim 2 comprising:

at least one adjustable strap disposed between the overlapping telescoping portions of the back plate and rear skirt, the strap having one end attached to the back plate near the torso opening and the other end attached to an upper portion of the rear skirt portion, for limiting skirt shell movement in relation to the vest shell; and

a plurality of straps having end portions attached to the vest shell and end portions attached to the skirt shell. the adjustable strap and plurality of straps constituting the means for attaching the skirt shell to the vest shell.

4. A jacket as set forth in claim 1 in which the front and rear collar portions have interfacing pairs of edges that are in general alignment with interfacing pairs of edges of the front and back plates. the front collar portion diverging at an angle that is greater than the rear collar portion and further including padding means distributed along at least an interior portion of the collar for cushioning the head of a wearer.

5. An armored jacket for protecting a wearer against injury comprising:

a substantially rigid vest shell having head. arms. and torso openings. the shell including front and back plates separable from each other on two pairs of interfacing edges extending generally along the sides and front shoulders of the vest shell. and the rear plate extending forward near the head opening to in its entirety define a shoulder yoke over the arm openings;

means for mechanically interlocking at least portions of the two pairs of interfacing edges of the front and back plates;

means for hinging the front and back plates at the side of the vest between one pair of interfacing side edges:

means for latching together the Unhinged pair of interfacing edges of the front and back plates. the interlocking means. front and back plates cooperating to define the substantially rigid vest shell;

padding means distributed along at least some interior portions of the jacket shell for providing a cushion for the wearer.

6. An armored jacket for protecting a wearer against injury and of the type having a substantially rigid vest shell with front and back portions and having head. arms and torso openings wherein the improvement comprises:

a first generally circular member having a diameter greater than the head opening;

a second generally circular segment member of at least the same general diameter as the first circular member. the second circular member arranged generally diametrically of and generally at right angles to the first circular member. the second circular member having end portions joined to the first circular member. the circular members together defining a head protector; and

means for rigidly attaching a portion of the head protector to the rear portion such to have the first circular member extend forwardly ofthe front portion over and above the head opening and to have the second circular member extend away from the head opening.

7. A jacket as set forth in claim 6 wherein the means for attaching the head protector includes removable fasteners for detaching the head protector from the rear portion.

8. A jacket as set forth in claim 1 comprising:

at least two flexible straps having first end portions attached to the front plate and second end portions attached to the back plate. the straps constituting the hinging means between the front and back plates.

9. A jacket as set forth in claim 1 comprising:

at least one strap having one end portion attached to the front plate.

at least one strap having one end portion attached to the back plate;

buckles for joining the straps of the front plate to the straps ofthe back plate. the straps and buckles constituting the latching means.

10. A jacket as set forth in claim 1 comprising:

shoulder-like portions extending along one of each pair of interfacing edges. the shoulder-like portions defining rabbets nestable with the paired interfacing edge and constituting the interlocking means.

11. A jacket as set forth in claim 1 including a plurality ofinflatable means which define the padding means.

12. A jacket as set forth in claim 11 wherein each inflatable means encapsulates a foam pad.

13. An armored jacket for protecting a wearer against injury comprising:

a substantially rigid vest shell of corrugated fiber glass embedded in a plastic resin having head. arms. and torso openings. the shell including front and back plates separable from each other on two pairs ofinterfacing edges extending generally along the sides and front shoulders of the vest shell;

means for mechanically interlocking at least portions of the two pairs of interfacing edges of the front and back plates;

means for hinging the front and back plates at the side of the vest between one pair of interfacing side edges:

means for latching together the unhinged pair of interfacing edges ofthe front and back plates. the interlocking means. front and back plates cooperating to define the substantially rigid vest shell; and

padding means distributed along at least some interior portions of the jacket shell for providing a cushion for the wearer.

14. A jacket as set forth in claim 2 wherein the rear 40 skirt portion and the skirt attaching means define a rest along a lower edge that is capable of supporting the jacket.

15. An armored jacket for protecting a wearer against injury comprising:

a substantially rigid vest shell having head. arms. and

torso openings. the shell including front and back plates separable from each other on two pair of interfacing edges extending generally along the sides and front shoulders of the jacket shell. the upper portions of the front and back plate extending up from the head opening and in a divergent manner to define an integral collar. having interfacing pairs of edges that are in general alignment with interfacing pairs of edges ofthe front and back plates. the front collar portion diverging at an angle that is greater than the rear collar portion;

head protector including a first generally circular member having a diameter greater than the head opening and collar. a second generally circular seg ment member of generally the same diameter as the first circular member. the second circular member ranged generally diametrically of and generally perpendicular to the first circular member. the second circular member having end portions joined rigidly to the first circular member. the head protector removably and rigidly attached to the rear plate;

a substantially rigid skirt shell including from and rear skirt portions separate from each other along interfacing pairs of side edges. the shell skirt having a slightly larger diameter than the external diameter of the torso opening and the front lower skirt portion having spaced notches that define spaced leg openings. the skirt adjustably attached to telescope over the opening of the jacket. and the pairs of side edges of the skirt arranged to be in general alignment with the interfacing pair of edges of the vest. the interfacing pairs of edges of the vest and skirt shells interlocking with each other to define 

1. An armored jacket for protecting a wearer against injury comprising: a substantially rigid vest shell having head, arms, and torso openings, the shell including front and back plates separable from each other on two pairs of interfacing edges extending generally along the sides and front shoulders of the vest shell; a rigid collar extending generally divergently from the head opening, the collar including a front portion extending from the front plate and a back portion extending from the back plate; means for mechanically interlocking at least portions of the two pairs of interfacing edges of the front and back plates; means for hinging the front and back plates at the side of the vest between one pair of interfacing side edges; means for latching together the unhinged pair of interfacing edges of the front and back plates, the interlocking means, front and back plates cooperating to define the substantially rigid vest shell; and padding means distributed along at least some interior portions of the jacket shell for providing a cushion for the wearer.
 1. An armored jacket for protecting a wearer against injury comprising: a substantially rigid vest shell having head, arms, and torso openings, the shell including front and back plates separable from each other on two pairs of interfacing edges extending generally along the sides and front shoulders of the vest shell; a rigid collar extending generally divergently from the head opening, the collar including a front portion extending from the front plate and a back portion extending from the back plate; means for mechanically interlocking at least portions of the two pairs of interfacing edges of the front and back plates; means for hinging the front and back plates at the side of the vest between one pair of interfacing side edges; means for latching together the unhinged pair of interfacing edges of the front and back plates, the interlocking means, front and back plates cooperating to define the substantially rigid vest shell; and padding means distributed along at least some interior portions of the jacket shell for providing a cushion for the wearer.
 2. An armored jacket for protecting a wearer against injury comprising: a substantially rigid vest shell having head, arms, and torso openings, the shell including front and back plates separable from each other on two pairs of interfacing edges extending generally along the sides and front shoulders of the vest shell; means for mechanically interlocking at least portions of the two pairs of interfacing edges of the front and back plates; means for hinging the front and back plates at the side of the vest between one pair of interfacing side edges; means for latching together the unhinged pair of interfacing edges of the front and back plates, the interlocking means, front and back plates cooperating to define the substantially rigid vest shell; padding means distributed along at least some interior portions of the jacket shell for providing a cushion for the wearer; a substantially rigid skirt shell including front and rear skirt portions separate from each other along interfacing pairs of side edges, the skirt shell having a slightly larger diameter than the external diameter of the vest shell at the torso opening and the front lower skirt portion having spaced notches that define spaced leg openings; means for attaching the skirt in generally telescoping manner to the vest shell over the torso opening to have the interfacinG pairs of the skirt shell edges generally in alignment with the interfacing pairs of vest edges; means for hinging the front and rear skirt portions along a pair of interfacing skirt side edges that are in longitudinal alignment with the hinged pair edges of the vest shell; means for latching the front and rear skirt portions along the unhinged pair of facing skirt side edges, the front and rear skirt portions, skirt hinging and latching means cooperating to define the rigid skirt shell; and padding means distributed along at least interior portions of the skirt shell for providing a cushion for the wearer.
 3. A jacket set forth in claim 2 comprising: at least one adjustable strap disposed between the overlapping telescoping portions of the back plate and rear skirt, the strap having one end attached to the back plate near the torso opening and the other end attached to an upper portion of the rear skirt portion, for limiting skirt shell movement in relation to the vest shell; and a plurality of straps having end portions attached to the vest shell and end portions attached to the skirt shell, the adjustable strap and plurality of straps constituting the means for attaching the skirt shell to the vest shell.
 4. A jacket as set forth in claim 1 in which the front and rear collar portions have interfacing pairs of edges that are in general alignment with interfacing pairs of edges of the front and back plates, the front collar portion diverging at an angle that is greater than the rear collar portion and further including padding means distributed along at least an interior portion of the collar for cushioning the head of a wearer.
 5. An armored jacket for protecting a wearer against injury comprising: a substantially rigid vest shell having head, arms, and torso openings, the shell including front and back plates separable from each other on two pairs of interfacing edges extending generally along the sides and front shoulders of the vest shell, and the rear plate extending forward near the head opening to in its entirety define a shoulder yoke over the arm openings; means for mechanically interlocking at least portions of the two pairs of interfacing edges of the front and back plates; means for hinging the front and back plates at the side of the vest between one pair of interfacing side edges; means for latching together the unhinged pair of interfacing edges of the front and back plates, the interlocking means, front and back plates cooperating to define the substantially rigid vest shell; padding means distributed along at least some interior portions of the jacket shell for providing a cushion for the wearer.
 6. An armored jacket for protecting a wearer against injury and of the type having a substantially rigid vest shell with front and back portions and having head, arms and torso openings wherein the improvement comprises: a first generally circular member having a diameter greater than the head opening; a second generally circular segment member of at least the same general diameter as the first circular member, the second circular member arranged generally diametrically of and generally at right angles to the first circular member, the second circular member having end portions joined to the first circular member, the circular members together defining a head protector; and means for rigidly attaching a portion of the head protector to the rear portion such to have the first circular member extend forwardly of the front portion over and above the head opening and to have the second circular member extend away from the head opening.
 7. A jacket as set forth in claim 6 wherein the means for attaching the head protector includes removable fasteners for detaching the head protector from the rear portion.
 8. A jacket as set forth in claim 1 comprising: at least two flexible straps having first end portions attached to the front plate and second end portions attached to the baCk plate, the straps constituting the hinging means between the front and back plates.
 9. A jacket as set forth in claim 1 comprising: at least one strap having one end portion attached to the front plate; at least one strap having one end portion attached to the back plate; buckles for joining the straps of the front plate to the straps of the back plate, the straps and buckles constituting the latching means.
 10. A jacket as set forth in claim 1 comprising: shoulder-like portions extending along one of each pair of interfacing edges, the shoulder-like portions defining rabbets nestable with the paired interfacing edge and constituting the interlocking means.
 11. A jacket as set forth in claim 1 including a plurality of inflatable means which define the padding means.
 12. A jacket as set forth in claim 11 wherein each inflatable means encapsulates a foam pad.
 13. An armored jacket for protecting a wearer against injury comprising: a substantially rigid vest shell of corrugated fiber glass embedded in a plastic resin having head, arms, and torso openings, the shell including front and back plates separable from each other on two pairs of interfacing edges extending generally along the sides and front shoulders of the vest shell; means for mechanically interlocking at least portions of the two pairs of interfacing edges of the front and back plates; means for hinging the front and back plates at the side of the vest between one pair of interfacing side edges; means for latching together the unhinged pair of interfacing edges of the front and back plates, the interlocking means, front and back plates cooperating to define the substantially rigid vest shell; and padding means distributed along at least some interior portions of the jacket shell for providing a cushion for the wearer.
 14. A jacket as set forth in claim 2 wherein the rear skirt portion and the skirt attaching means define a rest along a lower edge that is capable of supporting the jacket. 